Shoaib signs T20 deal

Banned Pakistan bowler Shoaib Akhtar has signed a lucrative deal to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

By Phil Jackson

Last Updated: 14/10/07 11:51am

Banned Pakistan bowler Shoaib Akhtar has signed a lucrative deal to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The 'Rawalpindi Express' is currently serving a 13-match suspension at international level for hitting team-mate Mohammad Asif with a bat and was also fined 3.4 million rupees (£42,000) for the transgression.

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Decision

But as Shoaib nears the end of his backdated ban on 29th October he has confirmed permission was sought before the agreement went through.

"After I got permission from the PCB, I signed a contract to play for the IPL and it will be an honour to play in India," Shoaib said.

The inaugural Twenty20 competition - sanctioned by the International Cricket Council - is scheduled to start in April and Shoaib becomes the sixth Pakistani to sign up, after Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Yousuf, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Shahid Afridi and Asif.